Census Division 16 – Blaine Lake, Canwood, North Battleford, Radisson and Spiritwood areas
Census Division 17 – Glaslyn, Maidstone, Meadow Lake, Pierceland and St. Walburg areas
For the Period July 16 to 22, 2024
The region continues to experience hot and dry conditions which has quickened crop development and resulted in deteriorating crop conditions, especially in areas where lower amounts of precipitation have been received. Producers are hoping for rain soon to help lessen the impact of the heat on their crop yields, aid hayland regrowth and improve their pasture lands currently supporting livestock.
Very little rainfall was received in the region this week and the hot dry weather allowed for topsoil moisture ratings to decline. The rain reported was 7 mm in the Hafford area and 3 mm in the Mayfair area. Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as 48 per cent adequate, 44 per cent short and eight per cent very short. Hayland is rated as 42 per cent adequate, 45 per cent short and 13 per cent very short. Pasture topsoil moisture is rated as 39 per cent adequate, 48 per cent short and 13 per cent very short. Crops are experiencing a lot of stress from the heat, especially canola which has been reported to be dropping petals due to heat blasting.
Crop conditions in the region are rated from fair to good; without a break from the heat and a decent rain soon their condition will rapidly decline. Already producers are noting a reduction in potential yield due to heat blasting of flower petals. Pastures are also being observed as rapidly declining which has caused some concern for livestock producers in the region.
Haying operations are progressing nicely with 18 per cent of the hay crop cut and 67 per cent of it baled or put up as silage. The high humidity and smoke have slowed down drying of cut hay, but producers are not overly worried yet. Hay quality is very promising with 47 per cent being excellent, 50 per cent good and three per cent fair.
The largest cause of crop damage in the region is heat and lack of moisture which continues to lower the yield potential of all crops. Wind has also caused the lodging of cereal crops but is only reported as minor for the past week.
For more information about Northwestern Saskatchewan, explore the Crop Report Dashboard.